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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-08-30 minutesAPPROVED 2022 PUBLIC TRANSIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 30th, 2022 Boone/Bancroft Conference Room, City Hall 320 East McCarty Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Committee Member(s) – Present Mrs. Angela Hirsch, Chair Ms. Susan McCurran Mr. Glenn Bonner Mr. Ian Shadrick Mr. Wayne Lee Ms. Sara Eichholz Committee Member(s) – Absent Mr. Joshua Hale Council Liaison Councilman Hensley – absent Staff: Mr. Mark Mehmert Ms. Glenna Vernon Guest(s): (None) 1. Introductions: The meeting was called to order by Chair Angela Hirsch at 3:30p.m. Self-introductions were completed by all attendees. 2. Approval of Agenda Mr. Wayne Lee moved to accept the agenda as presented; Mr. Glenn Bonner seconded the motion. The motion carried. 3. Approval of Minutes Ms. Susan McCurran, moved to accept the July 19th, 2022 minutes as presented; Ms. Sarah Eichholz seconded the motion. The motion carried. APPROVED 2022 4. Committee Discussion: a. Recap of committee’s testimony to city budget committee Ms. Hirsch briefed the committee regarding the meetings she attended as Chair, including city budget hearings and city council- Thursday, August 2nd, and Thursday, August 18th, 2022. During these meetings, Ms. Hirsch provided additional documentation to the committees. She reminded the meeting attendees of the P-TAC’s opposition to a suspension of fares for 3-6 months. She asked the city council members to recognize transit as an economic development asset instead of a social service. Ms. Hirsch provided a copy of the study (commissioned by the Missouri Public Transit Association—MPTA) from University of St. Louis which quantifed the economic impact of transit in Missouri and local regions. The study indicated Jefferson City has the highest return of investment throughout the state. Ms. Hirsch noted a significant economic impact on the community. Ms. Hirsch observed subsidization of transit agencies ubiquitous; none are self- sufficient. Transit is a necessity to Jefferson City, and transit users use the service to either spend or earn money. Ms. Hirsch reminded the Committee that in the past few years, transit has drawn down significant federal dollars, which allowed the city a to artificially lower its subsidy. As council finalizes the FY23 budget in weeks to come, Ms. Hirsch indicated it is important to show public support for Transit by attendance at related meetings. b. FY23 Transit Budget Director Mehmert will keep committee abreast of all upcoming FY23 Transit budgetary meetings and city council agenda items in regards to transit. Mr. Mehmert gave a brief summary of how federal monies are drawn-down and explained transit is an enterprise fund with the city. c. Citizens for JEFFTRAN Ms. Hirsch recalled the “Citizens for JEFFTRAN” group, which organized when transit was threatened with harsh cuts. Ms. Hirsch offered the opinion that the group should be reconstituted. Hirsch asked and received volunteers from the Committee to call a list of organizations which depend on JEFFTRAN. Each P-TAC member volunteered to call a portion of the list for outreach. d. Fare Discussion Ms. Hirsch opined that the committee should recognize there is a cost to a reliable and valuable transit system for the City of Jefferson. She noted the last fare increase was 2007, and asked if the Committee should consider recommending a fare increase. Ms. Hirsch asked Director Mehmert about overall inflation rates. He indicated inflation has increased 42% since the last fare change. After a lengthily and animated discussion, Mr. Wayne Lee moved to increase the regular-route fare from $1.00 to $1.50, and to increase all other fees to equal APPROVED 2022 proportions with the caveat that a means of accessible electronic payment system be implemented at the same time. Ms. Susan McCurran seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The recommendation will be sent to the Public Works and Planning Committee for their consideration. Chair Hirsch offered to attend upcoming PW&P meeting to report on the recommendation when placed on the agenda. Fare Change Breakdown e. Update to FY Calendar / Weather Policy Ms. Hirsch recommended the P-TAC committee meet more frequently during this time of rapid change. After discussion, changes to the FY22 calendar were made and future meetings were added. Transit Administrative Assistant Vernon will revise the remaining FY22 calendar and distribute it to the appropriate city staff as well as P-TAC members. A review of the weather policy was reviewed. Discussion of possible virtual meeting options were discussed. Due to the collaborative nature of the P-TAC meetings, the group declined to participate in virtual meetings, with the exception of a member of P- TAC’s request to dial in. The revised FY22 calendar indicates the next scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 13th, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. 5. Adjourn Mr. Wayne Lee moved to adjourn at 4:40 p.m. The committee adjourned.